Avoids all of the clichés and rote characters inherent to the legal thriller / message movie. yet it's hard to say the result has much... quality. But no doubt that was the precise quality Lumet was after: that Network-like idea that the Truth can only really be perceived by those who are both marginalised and disinhibited — i.e. what every citizen believes themselves to be.
Whilst ultimately overstuffed with goofy ideas, it's hard to shake the idea the film is effective on some level. The lack of traditional cues to let the audience know what the main plot will be (or even who will be involved) until the last act is engaging and refreshing, not to mention disconcertingly appropriate, insofar as the restless feel of the pacing is perfectly reflective of Pacino's one-thing-after-another experiences throughout the movie.
Synopsis: An ethical Baltimore defense lawyer disgusted with rampant legal corruption is forced to defend a judge he despises in a rape trial under the threat of being disbarred.